Day Trips Directory

Here’s a great list of day trips we’ve compiled…you can overnight in Columbus and make the short drive to any of these places. Perfect for Spring Break!

East Alabama Day Trips

Chewacla State ParkAuburn, Alabama
Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, and newly renovated cabins. Open 7 a.m. to sundown.

Fort Mitchell Historic Site561 Highway 165, Fort Mitchell
334-855-1406
Established in 1813, Fort Mitchell is one of the oldest forts in the region. The park features a reconstruction of the 1813 stockade fort that was an important post in the Creek War, a museum with exhibits about the fort’s history and a collection of historic carriages, a restored 19th century log home, and a visitor center. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Montgomery Zoo2301 Coliseum Pkwy., Montgomery, AL
334-240-4900
Home to over 500 animals from five different continents, including South America, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America. All animals are housed in natural, barrier-free habitats. You can walk the paths or ride a miniature train. You can also visit over 275 wildlife exhibits at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum located on the zoo grounds. The zoo is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (CDT) year round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Surfside Water Park2780 S College St., Auburn, AL
334.821.7873
Features a 450,000-gallon wave pool, a lazy river that winds throughout the park, four body flumes, two speed slides, and a brand new 5,000 sq. ft. kiddie area. Open Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CST). Closed after Labor Day.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
1616 Chappie James Ave., Tuskegee, AL 36083
334-724-0922
The Tuskegee Airmen fought war on two fronts: axis powers overseas and racism at home. Through exhibits, audio-visual programs, historic buildings and guided walks, step back in time and share in the Tuskegee experience. Open 9am – 4pm.

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
Tuskegee University Campus, Campus Ave., Tuskegee, AL 36088
334-727-3200
A national park dedicated to educating the public of the importance and accomplishments of the Tuskegee Institute. There is a special emphasis on the home of Booker T. Washington (The Oaks) and the George Washington Carver Museum. Open daily 9-4:30. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day

For more information: Visit Alabama Travel – The official website of the Alabama Tourism Department. This website includes great travel ideas and trip planning tools. All you need to find great vacation experiences, places to stay, activities and dining in Alabama is at your fingertips. You’ll find information about events, special offers, attractions, hotels, bed and breakfast inns and restaurants all in one place.

West Georgia Day Trips

Chapel at Callaway Gardens

Andersonville National Historic SiteRoute 1, Box 800, Andersonville
229-924-2558
Andersonville, or Camp Sumpter, was one of the largest Confederate military prisons during the Civil War. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is the only park in the National Park System to serve as a memorial to all Americans ever held as prisoners of war. Visit the National Prisoner of War Museum, go on the Andersonville Prison Historical Hike. A Junior Ranger Program is available for children ages 6-12.

Explorations in Antiquities Center130 Gordon Commercial Drive, LaGrange
706-885-0364
The Center is a living museum of life in ancient times. Through archeological replicas, you can step back in time and experience ancient Middle Eastern life first hand. There is a Kids’ Dig Area with four archaeological pits for kids to learn archaeological techniques and reconstruct history.

F.D. Roosevelt State Park2970 Georgia Highway 190, Pine Mountain
706-663-4658
Located on Pine Mountain, this 10,000-acre park is deeply rooted in the historical era of four-time President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Take your kids hiking, camping, or horseback riding. Children ages 6-12 will have fun learning in the outdoors as they work toward earning a Junior Ranger badge.

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
300 North Bond Street, Plains
229-824-4104
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, began his life in the small town of Plains. The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site gives you a glimpse into life on the Carter Farm in the 1930’s. Older kids may enjoy the Jimmy Carter Historical Hike. This 5-mile hike starts at Plains High School, goes to the Carter Boyhood Farm (roughly 2 miles from town), and returns to Plains.

Museum of Aviation Flight & Technology Center
GA Hwy 247 & Russell Pkwy, Warner Robbins
478-926-6870
Located off Exit 144 on I-75, the Museum of Aviation is just plane fun! Explore 200,000 sq. feet of exhibits. Climb inside a C-130 “Hercules” and see over 90 aircraft and missiles spanning a century of flight, including an SR-71 “Blackbird” and more. The museum is open 9 am-5 pm, 7 days a week. Free admission.

The Rock Ranch
5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock
The Rock Ranch, LLC is a 1250-acre working cattle farm owned by S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, Inc. You’ll find fun for all ages here! The Rock Ranch is located between Barnesville and Thomaston. Take exit 201 off of I‐75.

Roosevelt’s Little White House401 Little White House Rd, Warm Springs
706-655-5870
Franklin Delano Roosevelt first came to Warm Springs in 1924 hoping to find a cure for the infantile paralysis (polio). He built the Little White House in 1932 while governor of New York.

Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari
1300 Oak Grove Road, Pine Mountain
800-367-2751
The 500-acre Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari offers a unique experience. Visitors can see, touch, and feed hundreds of exotic animals. The park has animals from every continent except Antartica and has nearly twice as many animals as the Atlanta Zoo. Visitors can ride through the park, observe, take pictures and feed the animals from their car or one of the Zebra Vans.

Providence Canyon State ParkRoute 1, Box 158, Lumpkin
229-838-6202
Visitors are amazed at the breathtaking colors of Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.” The rare Plumleaf Azalea and other wildflowers, as well as the pink, orange, red and purple hues of the soft canyon soil, make a beautiful natural painting at this unique park.

Sam Shortline Excursion Train105 East 9th Avenue, Cordele
1-877-GA-RAILS.
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train operates between Cordele, Georgia and the Jimmy Carter homestead west of Plains. Trains run on Friday and Saturday with occasional trips on Monday and Thursday. Trips vary from 6 to 8 hours long, but passengers can board at any stop. Special excursion trips are offered throughout the year, including the annual “Day Out with Thomas” in October.

Sprewell Bluff State Park740 Sprewell Bluff Road, Thomaston
(706) 646-6026
This little-known gem on the Flint River is the perfect location for a daytime getaway. Visitors can cool off in the gently flowing river, skip rocks across the water, picnic on the river’s edge or toss horseshoes in a grassy field. A three-mile trail winds along the bank and up rocky bluffs, offering excellent views from high above the river. A boat ramp is available for canoeists, kayakers, rafters and anglers, and canoes may be rented from nearby outfitters.

St. EOM’s Pasaquan
238 Eddie Martin Road, Buena Vista, GA
229-649-9222
Located a few miles west of the historic town of Buena Vista. Pasaquan consists of six major structures, all interconnected by a series of painted masonry walls, colorful concrete sculptures, and an assortment of landscape elements and plantings. Pasaquan’s oldest building is a circa 1880s farm house that was virtually encapsulated by additions designed and executed by the artist, St. EOM. Open the 1st Saturday of each month, April through November, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets: $5. Children 4 and under get in FREE.

Warm Springs Village and Pool ComplexPO Box 578, Warm Springs
706-655-3322 (Village)
706-655-5870 (Pool Complex)
Experience the warmth and charm of this Victorian village as you stroll through more than 65 shops. Also, visit the Warm Springs Pools Complex. Unfortunately the pools are not available for public use, but a touch pool still exists where visitors are welcome to feel the actual warm spring water and listen to information about its history. The Pool Complex is open daily for tours 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Historic WestvilleS. Mulberry Street, Lumpkin
912-838-6310
Historic Westville is a authentically restored 1850s village that depicts Georgia’s pre-industrial life and culture. Actual historic buildings from the area have been moved to the site to save them from destruction.

For more information: Visit ExploreGeorgia.org – The official website of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This website includes great travel ideas and trip planning tools. All you need to find great vacation experiences, places to stay, activities and dining in Georgia is at your fingertips. You’ll find information about events, special offers, attractions, hotels, bed and breakfast inns and restaurants all in one place.